Tuesday, June 30, 2015

This article is fairly long, but very worth reading. It looks at what the Church, the Scriptures, the Popes, and the Desert Fathers have said about past persecutions, the future storms and most importantly, what is facing faithful Catholics today....right now....

"I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you." (John 16:4)The Hour of Lawlessnessby Mark Mallett

Today's Homily on EWTN by Fr. Anthony Mary was outstanding as always. Near the end (at about the 13:37 mark on the video), he started speaking about today's reading of the outcome at Sodom and Gomorrah. He, of course, tied it in with the SCOTUS decision last week.

While the video ends at the conclusion of the Homily, it was exciting to watch the rest of the Mass this morning on EWTN. A severe thunderstorm was passing over Irondale, Alabama at the time of the Mass, and a torrential rain could be heard pounding the little chapel. Thunder could also be heard in the background.

During the preparation for Holy Communion, when Father Anthony Mary lifted the chalice of the Eucharist, a mighty thunder boom exploded and probably shook the whole chapel and everyone in it (and it was packed full)! It was as if Almighty God was emphasizing the Sermon just given, and pointing out "This is MY Word!" It was wonderfully powerful and exquisite timing! Only wish the video had captured that moment, I sure will never forget it!

Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life;
rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are,
will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it,
God will carry you in his arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same understanding Father who cares for you
today will take care of you then and every day.

He will either shield you from from suffering
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Today, on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the Word on Fire blog features an excerpt from Episode 5 of the"CATHOLICISM" series, titled "The Indispensable Men: Peter, Paul, and the Missionary Adventure.

"He said in reply, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” - Mathew 19:4-6

"We here at the Denver Catholic figure that we have two options for how to respond going foward:

Go on the defensive. We've clearly lost the culture war, but we can try to convince the public that our view is the correct one.

Realize that we don't live in a Christian culture, and therefore must engage it as missionaries.

Option one is equivalent to declaring ourselves victims. Option two is to accept the challenge of living as authentic followers of Jesus Christ in a world that has largely forgotten Him.

Jesus Christ is real. We Christians have experienced the sweetness of a personal relationship with Him. Our mission is not to punish or coerce those who have not experienced this—instead, we must invite them into relationship. What better way to do this than to show the joy of living the Catholic faith?

Homily by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, 6/25/15, on building our house, our life, upon the rock of Jesus Christ, not upon the shifting sand of this world. What a perfect Homily to reflect on today with the Supreme Court changing the definition of marriage and making it "the law of the land".

(Note..the Supreme Court decision came out early today (6/25/15), rather than next Monday or Tuesday, possibly because the Daily Reading of the Mass on Tuesday is from Genesis 19:15-29...the story of Sodom and Gomorrah)

Monday, June 22, 2015

"God of mercy, we bless you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who ministers to all who come to Him. Give your strength to all who are bound by the chains of addiction. Enfold them in your love and restore them to freedom through your grace.

Lord, look with compassion on all those who have lost their health and have broken relationships because of their attachment to the object of their addiction. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy, and strengthen them in the work of recovery. To those who care for them, grant patient understanding and a love that perseveres."

Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

The Theme of the Readings: Do You Not Yet Have Faith?by Michael E. Hunt"Jesus' question to the Apostles in today's Gospel Reading is the focus of the Sunday liturgies for the remainder of the Sundays in Ordinary Time prior to Advent. In the Gospel Readings, we follow in the footsteps of the Apostles as they (and we) experience His words and wondrous deeds, as they (and we) come to have a deeper personal relationship with Jesus, and as they (and we) come to believe He is the Messiah promised by the prophets."

Forming Hearts and Minds.

Proclaiming Jesus Christ.

"Sacred Heart Major Seminary is a Christ-centered Catholic community of faith and higher learning committed to forming leaders, according to the Heart of Jesus Christ, who will bring the truth of the Gospel to an increasingly secularized world.

Sacred Heart is a leading center of the New Evangelization serving the needs of the Archdiocese of Detroit and contributing to the mission of the universal Church. Located in the heart of the city of Detroit, our students and faculty are challenged with the reality of a broken world in need of grace."